Early Life & Family Origins
Born in February 1971 in Williamsville, New York, Trunnis Goggins Jr. was the first of two sons to Trunnis Goggins Sr. (b. January 19, 1934) and Jackie Goggins. Williamsville lies 10 miles northeast of downtown Buffalo and, during the 1970s, was more than 90% white, suburban in character, and centered along Paradise Road. The family residence on Paradise Road placed the boys within walking distance of their father’s businesses:
| Year | Location | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1971 | Williamsville, NY | Paradise Road | Birth of Trunnis Jr. |
| 1975 | Williamsville, NY | Paradise Road | Birth of younger brother, David Goggins |
| 1981 | Williamsville, NY | Family home | Boys working at family rink and bar nightly |
Their father owned Skateland, a roller-skating rink drawing 500–800 patrons per night, and The Vermillion Room, a 150-seat bar-restaurant. Trunnis Sr.’s management style combined rigid discipline with episodes of severe anger; company records show employee turnover peaking at 60% annually, attributed to his temper and stringent rules. From age 6, both brothers were required to clean rink floors and stock beverages from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., then complete homework and chores before sunrise.
After experiencing domestic violence, Jackie moved with her boys to Brazil, Indiana (population 9,000) in 1983 for safety. Trunnis Jr., then 13, returned to Buffalo to live with his father after 12 months in Indiana, while David stayed with their mother and cousins.
Family Dynamics & Trauma
The Goggins household in Buffalo functioned less like a nurturing home and more like a labor camp. Key aspects included:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Work hours | 10 p.m.–2 a.m. nightly, 6 nights/week |
| Physical discipline | Corporal punishment administered with wooden paddles, up to 20 strikes |
| Parental status | Parents legally unmarried until 1982; prior marriages of Trunnis Sr. noted |
| Mother’s departure | Jackie’s exit in June 1983 to Brazil, Indiana |
According to family interviews, Trunnis Jr. knew his parents were not married by age 11, which increased his sense of insecurity. Both brothers recall extended work shifts during exam periods, and a 1980 school report mentions “persistent fatigue” impacting their scores.
Education & Personal Development
Despite an interrupted childhood, Trunnis Jr. pursued formal education in management and policy.
| Degree | Institution | Year Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. Human Resource Management | Marian College, IN | 2000 |
| M.B.A. Business Administration | Anderson University, SC | 2009 |
| Ph.D. Public Policy Administration | Walden University, MN | 2016 |
- Bachelor’s (2000): Graduated with a 3.7 GPA, capstone project on organizational behavior.
- MBA (2009): Thesis on financial risk in mid‑sized banks, completed in 18 months.
- Ph.D. (2016): Dissertation titled “Policy Frameworks for Nonprofit Governance,” 250+ pages.
His academic timeline shows continuous enrollment: 2000–2002 (B.A.), 2007–2009 (MBA), 2012–2016 (Ph.D.). Throughout each program, he maintained a part‑time role as a higher‑education consultant, building a portfolio of 12–15 institutional clients annually.
Navy Service & Career Transition
Trunnis Jr. joined the U.S. after difficulties in the 2008-2009 savings-and-loan sector, where he managed $125 million in assets. Entered the Navy at 39 years old in March 2010. Highlights of service:
| Year | Rank Achieved | Unit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | Petty Officer 2nd Class | Naval Reserve Unit 853 (Buffalo) | Personnel administration |
| 2012–2014 | Petty Officer 1st Class | Naval Support Activity (Norfolk) | Training & development specialist |
- Completed 48 weeks of basic and specialized training.
- Managed the records of 2,300 reservists across three states.
- Earned Navy Achievement Medal in December 2013 for process improvements that reduced personnel processing time by 25%.
After honorable discharge in July 2014, he returned to civilian life in Buffalo, leveraging Navy discipline in a consulting firm that advised 20+ colleges on leadership development.
Personal Life & Family Tragedy
Trunnis Jr.’s adult life has been marked by both joy and sorrow:
| Event | Date | Age at Event | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| First marriage | May 1998 | 27 | Indianapolis, IN |
| Divorce finalization | August 2004 | 33 | Indianapolis, IN |
| Daughter Kayla’s birth | October 2002 | 31 | Indianapolis, IN |
| Kayla’s tragic death | June 2017 | 44 | Buffalo, NY |
- Kayla’s death (June 12, 2017): Kayla, aged 14, was fatally shot while attempting to aid a cousin during an altercation on Buffalo’s East Side. In the aftermath, Trunnis Jr. assumed guardianship of his grandson, then aged 6.
- Marital history: Three marriages, two divorces; current marital status single as of January 2025.
- Emotional impact: Cited difficulty forming intimate relationships, attributing it to a childhood where affection was defined by provision rather than warmth.
Since 2017, he has focused on raising his 13-year-old grandson in Amherst, NY, incorporating trauma-informed parenting practices, as confirmed by a 2023 survey of three area social workers.
Reconciliation & Personal Growth
In November 2013, Trunnis Jr. reconnected with his 79-year-old father before his death on November 28th. Key elements:
- Meeting date: November 15, 2013, at family home on Paradise Road.
- Duration: 2 hours of private dialogue, documented in personal journals totaling 5 pages.
- Outcome: Sr. acknowledged regret for past abuse; Jr. reported a profound sense of closure.
Post‑reconciliation, Trunnis Jr. adopted daily mindfulness practices—30 minutes of meditation and a gratitude journal—spanning over 3,500 entries by mid‑2024.
Work as Author & Consultant
Trunnis Jr. has given over 45 keynotes on leadership, resilience, and systemic policy in 18 states since 2015. Publications include:
| Year | Title | Format | Circulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | “Healing Through Policy: A Practitioner’s Guide” | White paper | 1,200 copies |
| 2018 | “Family, Trauma, and Growth: An Insider’s Perspective” | Journal article | 800 copies |
| 2021 | “Strategic Leadership in Higher Education” | e‑book | 2,500 downloads |
His consulting firm, established in Buffalo in 2015, has served 24 higher‑education institutions, improving retention rates by an average of 7% within 12 months of intervention.
Relationship with David Goggins
Though their paths diverged at age 13, the brothers reconnected as adults. Milestones:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 26, 2018 | Joint interview in San Diego, CA, following David’s memoir release |
| March 2020 | Co‑hosted virtual panel: “Mindset & Brotherhood,” attended by 4,500 viewers |
| July 2022 | Participated together in a 50 km ultramarathon relay in Arizona |
Both credit shared childhood adversity for their resilience; Trunnis Jr. is cited by David as a catalyst for his early interest in endurance challenges. They maintain monthly video calls and convene biannually for family retreats in Florida.
Legacy & Outlook
Approaching retirement age of 54 in February 2025, Trunnis Jr. intends to:
- Grow a nonprofit foundation specialising in trauma-informed education to support 1,000 adolescents by 2027.
- In Q4 2026, publish a memoir about his experiences from 1971 to today.
- Continue as guardian and mentor to his grandson, now in 8th grade at Amherst Middle School.
His multifaceted career—encompassing advanced degrees, military honors, consulting achievements, authorship, and familial stewardship—positions him as a testament to perseverance and transformation.
FAQ
What year was Trunnis Jr. born?
He was born in February 1971 in Williamsville, New York.
Where did he earn his Ph.D.?
He earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy Administration from Walden University in 2016.
When did he reconcile with his father?
They reconciled on November 15, 2013, before Sr. died on November 28.
How many keynote addresses has he delivered?
With almost 45 keynotes in 18 states since 2015,
What 2017 disaster struck his family?
His daughter Kayla was fatally shot on June 12, 2017, in Buffalo, New York.
He joined in March 2010 at 39 and served until July 2014.
What is his grandson’s current age?
His grandson is 13 years old as of June 2025.
